The only book in the George Smiley series that doesn't take place in an espionage setting, this story is a pretty traditional whodunnit in a posh English town.

It's got every bit of the le Carre writing style. I was thoroughly enjoying the reading, but some things feel different.

The ending - or third act as a whole - somewhat degrades and doesn't give a satisfying mmph to the mystery of the book. It was almost like a Stephen King third act. I just couldn't find myself happy with the final revelation or the motives behind it. It almost felt like a deus ex machina to wrap up and solve the mystery when an extra twenty pages could have really explained what was going on.

Overall, not bad but not that great. Still a pleasure to read, but I just think it had some wasted potential.